Two of my great friends, Ryan Pepple and Sarah Stark, recently got engaged. The romantic tale leading up to their engagement is something I felt was so special, it deserved to be shared.

The Happy Couple

The Back Story
Their story began on February 13th, 2008, the day before Valentine’s Day, the day that Ryan and Sarah first met. Ryan was in Las Vegas on business. Sarah, a Vegas resident, was working at the same event Ryan was attending. From their first handshake, sparks flew. They both felt immediate electricity that over the next few days blossomed into a full blown, love-at-first-sight romance.

Unfortunately, Sarah resided in Las Vegas and Ryan in Los Angeles. But this minute detail didn’t stop the pair for long. Within two months, Sarah moved to Los Angeles so they could finally be together.

The Proposal
Fast forward two amazing years later, and the couple is cuddled up in bed on their anniversary, February 13th, 2010. They lay staring into each other’s eyes before Ryan excused himself. He asked Sarah to sit at the edge of the bed and wait for him. Ryan emerged moments later, got down on one knee and handed Sarah the ring box. She started to cry with joy. He then slipped the exquisite diamond engagement ring on her finger and asked the question of all questions, “Will you marry me?” She undoubtedly said yes.

The Rock - A Princess Cut for a Princess

The Aftermath
As if this incredibly sweet and completely surprising (Sarah was caught totally off-guard) gesture weren’t enough, Ryan then put most men to shame. A month earlier, he convinced Sarah’s bosses to give her the week off work so the couple could go to Hawaii. They spent a spectacular week in Maui, basking in the glow of true love, and elated by the prospect of being together for the rest of their lives. So ends the tale of Ryan and Sarah: An Engagement to Remember.

Sarah and Ryan - Romantic Evening in Maui